Honiara rang in 2025 with vibrant celebrations as hundreds gathered to enjoy two major musical concerts on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2024. The city was alive with music and festivities as both events attracted sold-out crowds, marking the start of the new year amid joy and reflections.
Organized at Heritage Park Hotel and Pacific Crown Hotel, the events saw remarkable attendance, fueled by excitement and the promise of entertainment. At Heritage Park Hotel, the stage was set for DMP and Onetox, with the much-anticipated performance of special guest Joaquin “Quino” McWhinney, the lead singer of Big Mountain. Fans swayed to familiar tunes such as “Baby I Love Your Way,” “Get Together,” and “Caribbean Blue,” among others. The night also celebrated the long-awaited reunion of DMP and Onetox, who had not shared the stage for over ten years due to previous management and royalty disputes. Their emotional reconciliation ceremony added poignant depth to the evening.
Lynette Adomea, events manager, expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm over the strong turnout, acknowledging the potential challenge from competing venues. "I am very happy with the turnout," Adomea said, emphasizing how the community embraced the event. She noted the tickets, priced at $150 for general admission and $300 for VIP access, had completely sold out, showcasing the demand for such entertainment. Adomea also credited Heritage Park Hotel and Solbrew for their sponsorship and thanked fans for their overwhelming support.
The event took on additional significance as DMP and Onetox dedicated part of their performance to Jeeno Maetia, a member of the band Shefram, who tragically passed away earlier this year. This tribute underscored the communal aspect of the festivities, highlighting how music connects people not only through celebration but also mourning.
Meanwhile, the Pacific Crown Hotel hosted its own exhilarating celebration, featuring the rich talents of local artists such as Sean Rii & Dezine, Jahboy, Sharzy, Ramo, Baleh, Buad, Young Davie, and Soul Jay. The event was bolstered by guest appearances from international DJs DJ Park and DJ Alexis. With attendance estimates ranging between 2,500 and 3,000, the atmosphere was both peaceful and spirited, reflecting the community's collective pulse.
Mike Alufuria, Sean Rii’s vocalist and event manager, praised not just the event's harmonious vibe but also the collaborative efforts put forth for its realization, stating, "The peaceful atmosphere was commendable." He acknowledged the Pacific Crown Hotel, owned by Michael Leong, as instrumental to the venue’s success, and extended gratitude to all artists, production crews, and stage teams whose hard work brought the event to life.
Both concerts epitomized the spirit of New Year’s celebrations—a powerful reminder of how music can unite people. Each performance not only rang out with celebrations for the new year but also created bonds between artists and fans alike, as well as within the community at large.
The night concluded with the ringing of bells and cheers of hope and renewal, welcoming 2025 with open arms. Another concert at Hammock Beach rounded off the night, ensuring Honiara's New Year festivities were both memorable and impactful for everyone involved.
The New Year’s Eve events truly underscored the power of music as both entertainment and solace, reminding participants of shared experiences and the beauty of coming together as one community to celebrate life.